The Root Causes of Picky Eating with Integrative Paediatric Speech Language Pathologist and Holistic Feeding Specialist Lena Livinsky | Episode 111
Picky eating is often treated as a behaviour problem, but what if it is actually a sign that something deeper is going on?
In this episode, we explore the hidden factors that can influence how children eat, from gut health and nutrient deficiencies to nervous system regulation and sensory processing.
I am talking to Lena Livinsky, an integrative paediatric speech language pathologist and holistic feeding specialist. Lena shares how her own experience parenting a child with severe picky eating changed the way she approaches feeding therapy and why she now views picky eating as a symptom, not a diagnosis.
Lena and I talk about:
• Why picky eating is often connected to underlying health issues
• How gut health and the gut-brain connection can affect cravings, appetite, and food preferences
• The role blood sugar regulation plays in mood, energy, and sugar cravings
• How nervous system dysregulation can impact mealtimes and feeding behaviours
• Why stress at the table can make picky eating worse for both children and parents
• How sensory sensitivities influence food texture preferences and eating habits
• The connection between nutrient deficiencies and picky eating
• Why zinc deficiency may contribute to sensory challenges and food aversions
• Practical ways to support gut health and nervous system regulation at home
• How outdoor time and sunlight may support the microbiome and overall wellbeing
• The importance of oral motor skills and safe chewing when introducing new foods
• Why connection and emotional safety matter at the table
• How to set realistic and developmentally appropriate mealtime boundaries
• The difference between selective eating and true picky eating
• What it can look like to support children without pressure, shame, or force around food
Lena Livinsky is an integrative paediatric speech language pathologist and holistic feeding specialist who supports families navigating picky eating and feeding challenges. With more than 14 years of experience, Lena combines feeding therapy with a whole-child approach that considers gut health, nervous system regulation, sensory processing, oral motor skills, and nutrition. She works with families through coaching, workshops, and education to help children feel safer, more connected, and more confident around food.
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Learn from all the resources Lena has on her website
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Wild and Well with Dr Hilary Claire is a podcast dedicated to holistic health for moms, optimal health for women, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and children’s wellness. It is for holistic-minded mothers who want healthier, calmer, more resilient kids. We explore everything from gut health to pregnancy, functional health for women and postpartum wellness to nervous system regulation and motherhood burnout. Each episode offers practical tips for self-care for moms, guidance on picky eating and parenting, and strategies to support your family’s natural kids’ health, so you can feel healthy, strong, and vital in motherhood while creating a foundation for lifelong wellness. I would never recommend anything I don’t regularly use myself or trust completely. Some of the links are affiliate links, and others are special discount codes. Either way, all of these are products and resources I genuinely love and recommend.
